WHAT IS FIRST AID?

        First aid is the initial care of the injured or sick. It is the care administered by a concerned person as soon as possible after an accident or illness. It is this prompt care and attention that sometimes means the difference between life and death, or between a full or partial recovery. First aid has limitations - not everybody is a doctor - but it is an essential and vital part of the total medical concept. FIRST AID SAVES LIVES! ...ask any ambulance officer or doctor who works in the emergency medical field.

IMMEDIATE ACTION

        It is important that any action taken by the first aid provider is done as quickly as possible. Quick action is necessary to preserve life and limb. A casualty who is not breathing effectively, or is bleeding copiously, requires immediate intervention, and if quick effective first aid is provided, then the casualty's chances of recovery are improved immeasurably. It should be remembered though that any action undertaken is to be deliberate, and panic by the first aid provider and bystanders will not be beneficial to the casualty. Try to remain calm and think your actions through.

HOW DO I GET HELP

To get expert medical assistance, call an ambulance on '000' in metropolitan areas, and the local emergency numbers in the front of the directory when in the country.         If you are attending a casualty, get a bystander to telephone for help - if you are on your own, then you may have to leave the casualty momentarily to make a call. It's common sense, the decision is yours!